Contribution of homeostatic chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 and their receptor CCR7 to coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to identify the role of the homeostatic chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 and their common receptor CCR7 in atherogenesis and to study the relationships between CCL19, CCL21, and CCR7 gene variants and coronary artery disease in a Chinese Han population.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Immunohistochemical analysis of samples with atherosclerosis of various stages showed increased CCL19, CCL21, and CCR7 expression in atherosclerotic coronary plaques compared with nonatherosclerotic controls. Expression levels increased in positive correlation with coronary lesion stage. Cell adhesion assays confirmed that CCL19 promoted monocyte adhesion, which was induced by CCR7, to human umbilical vein endothelial cells, an effect partially antagonized by atorvastatin. After the human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with CCR7-neutralizing antibody, both CCL19- and CCL21-induced monocyte to human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration and CCL19-induced monocyte to human umbilical vein endothelial cell adhesion were abolished. The associations between genetic variants of CCL19, CCL21, CCR7, and coronary artery disease in a Chinese Han population were determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The following single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with coronary artery disease: CCL19 rs2227302, CCL21 rs2812377, and CCR7 rs588019. Individuals with the CCL19 rs2227302 T allele or CCL21 rs2812377 G allele had higher plasma CCL19 levels than those with C/C genotype and higher CCL21 levels than those with T/T genotype in both case and control subjects.

CONCLUSION

CCL19/CCL21-CCR7 is a novel homeostatic chemokine system that modulates human monocyte adhesion and migration, promoting atherogenesis. It is associated with coronary artery disease risk in Chinese Han individuals. These data suggest that the CCL19/CCL21-CCR7 axis plays an important role in atherosclerosis progression.

CREG1 promotes angiogenesis and neovascularization

Angiogenesis has long been considered as an important strategy for ischemic injury. It has been reported that cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes (CREG1) promotes human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, migration, and protects endothelial cell (EC) from apoptosis. However, its potential effect on angiogenesis remains undefined. In the present study, we investigated the role and mechanisms of CREG1 in promoting angiogenesis. We found that adenovirus-transduced CREG1 expression in HUVECs increases EC tube formation in matrigel and promotes neovascularization in matrigel plugs grafted into wild type mice. In addition, adenoviral CREG1 expression enhances filopodia formation, which is accompanied by increased expression of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and activation of its downstream effector Cdc42. Hindlimb perfusion was significantly reduced after femoral artery ligation in CREG1 heterozygous knockout mice. Finally, adenoviral CREG1 was injected intramuscularly in gastrochemius and partially restores ischemic hindlimb perfusion. Our results demonstrated that CREG1 increases EC filopodia formation and vascular assembly via ILK-Cdc42 activation and promotes neovascularization, which might be a therapeutic target for ischemic injury.

CREG promotes vasculogenesis by activation of VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway

Knowledge about factors regulating vasculogenesis remains limited. The cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated gene (CREG) has been reported to be involved in maintaining cellular differentiation and endothelial homeostasis, thus we hypothesize that CREG may be a novel factor regulating vasculogenesis. By using mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) derived embryoid body (EB) model, we confirmed expression of CREG was significantly up-regulated during EB differentiation. Overexpression of CREG in ESC led to accelerated cystic EB formation, increased endothelial differentiation and vasculogenesis, whereas knockdown of CREG produced opposite phenotypes. Moreover, we found expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was up-regulated and PI3K/Akt pathway was activated in CREG-overexpressing EB. Administration of VEGF neutralizing antibody or PI3K/Akt pharmacological inhibitor LY294002 blocked the vasculogenesis in CREG over-expressing EB, while supplement of VEGF rescued vasculogenesis deficiency in CREG knocked down EB. Further study by Western blot determined that PI3K/Akt was a downstream effector of VEGF. We identify CREG as a novel factor in regulating endothelial differentiation and vasculogenesis via VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway.

Combined analysis of νμ disappearance and νμ→νe appearance in MINOS using accelerator and atmospheric neutrinos

We report on a new analysis of neutrino oscillations in MINOS using the complete set of accelerator and atmospheric data. The analysis combines the ν(μ) disappearance and ν(e) appearance data using the three-flavor formalism. We measure |Δm(32)(2)| = [2.28-2.46] × 10(-3) eV(2) (68% C.L.) and sin(2)θ(23) = 0.35-0.65 (90% C.L.) in the normal hierarchy, and |Δm(32)(2)| = [2.32-2.53] × 10(-3) eV(2) (68% C.L.) and sin(2)θ(23) = 0.34-0.67 (90% C.L.) in the inverted hierarchy. The data also constrain δ(CP), the θ(23} octant degeneracy and the mass hierarchy; we disfavor 36% (11%) of this three-parameter space at 68% (90%) C.L.

Synthesis and Properties of a Novel Intumescent Flame Retardant and its Application in LLDPE

In this study, a novel phosphorus-containing flame retardant (IFR) of spirocyclic pentaerythritol diphosphonate dinitroguanidine (SPDD) was successfully synthesized, which was characterized by 1H NMR, 31P NMR and FTIR spectra. At the same time, the SPDD was used in LLDPE to prepare flame-retardant materials whose flammability and thermal behavior were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TGA data showed that SPDD could effectively enhance the thermal stability and char residue of LLDPE/IFR composite. And with the increase of SPDD, the LOI value of LLDPE/IFR increases obviously. When SPDD reached 30 wt%, the LOI value of LLDPE/IFR reaches 31 %. The SEM also shows the surface of intumescent chars of LLDPE/IFR (30 %) has many sphere-like swollen bubbles.

Selective inhibition of protein kinase C β2 attenuates the adaptor P66 Shc-mediated intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Apoptosis is a major mode of cell death occurring during ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) induced injury. The p66^Shc adaptor protein, which is mediated by PKCβ, has an essential role in apoptosis under oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the role of PKCβ₂/p66^Shc pathway in intestinal I/R injury. In vivo, ischemia was induced by superior mesenteric artery occlusion in mice. Ruboxistaurin (PKCβ inhibitor) or normal saline was administered before ischemia. Then blood and gut tissues were collected after reperfusion for various measurements. In vitro, Caco-2 cells were challenged with hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R) to simulate intestinal I/R. Translocation and activation of PKCβ₂ were markedly induced in the I/R intestine. Ruboxistaurin significantly attenuated gut damage and decreased the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Pharmacological blockade of PKCβ₂ suppressed p66^Shc overexpression and phosphorylation in the I/R intestine. Gene knockdown of PKCβ₂ via small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited H/R-induced p66^Shc overexpression and phosphorylation in Caco-2 cells. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which stimulates PKCs, induced p66^Shc phosphorylation and this was inhibited by ruboxistaurin and PKCβ₂ siRNA. Ruboxistaurin attenuated gut oxidative stress after I/R by suppressing the decreased expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the exhaustion of the glutathione (GSH) system, and the overproduction of malondialdehyde (MDA). As a consequence, ruboxistaurin inhibited intestinal mucosa apoptosis after I/R. Therefore, PKCβ₂ inhibition protects mice from gut I/R injury by suppressing the adaptor p66^Shc-mediated oxidative stress and subsequent apoptosis. This may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention of intestinal I/R injury.

Maggot debridement therapy for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential efficacy of maggot debridement therapy (MDT) compared with standard care for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

METHOD

A meta-analysis was performed on the evidence for MDT for DFUs. Databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, EMbase, EBSCOhost, Springer Link, ScienceDirect and Ovid-Medline, were electronically searched for randomised controlled trials, case-control studies and controlled clinical trials, up to 31 December 2012, and relevant references of the included articles were also manually searched. The literature was screened, the data were extracted and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. Meta-analyses were performed on the included data, for the outcomes healing rate, time to healing, incidence of infection, amputation rate and antibiotic-free days or antibiotics usage.

RESULTS

Overall, four studies comparing MDT with standard therapy on a total of 356 participants were included. The results of meta-analyses suggested that the MDT group was significantly superior to the control group in the percentage of DFUs to achieve full healing (RR=1.8, 95%CI=1.07; 3.02; p=0.03), amputation rate (RR=0.41, 95%CI=0.20; 0.85; p=0.02), time to healing (RR=-3.70, 95%CI=-5.76; -1.64; p=0.0004) and number of antibiotic-free days (126.8 ± 30.3 days vs 81.9 ± 42.1 days; p=0.001); however, collated differences in incidence of infection after intervention revealed no evidence of a difference between the MDT and control groups (RR=0.82, 95%CI=0.65; 1.04, p=0.10).

CONCLUSION

Although MDT may be a scientific and effective therapy in treatment of DFUs, the evidence is too weak to routinely recommend it for treatment. Large studies and sample sizes are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of MDT in the treatment of DFUs.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no external sources of funding for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare with regard to this work or its contents. X. Tian and X.M. Liang contributed equally to this work.

Cost-effectiveness of a 12-dose regimen for treating latent tuberculous infection in the United States

SETTING

A large randomized controlled trial recently showed that for treating latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) in persons at high risk of progression to tuberculosis (TB) disease, a 12-dose regimen of weekly rifapentine plus isoniazid (3HP) administered as directly observed treatment (DOT) can be as effective as 9 months of daily self-administered isoniazid (9H).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the cost-effectiveness of 3HP compared to 9H.

DESIGN

A computational model was designed to simulate individuals with LTBI treated with 9H or 3HP. Costs and health outcomes were estimated to determine the incremental costs per active TB case prevented and per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained by 3HP compared to 9H.

RESULTS

Over a 20-year period, treatment of LTBI with 3HP rather than 9H resulted in 5.2 fewer cases of TB and 25 fewer lost QALYs per 1000 individuals treated. From the health system and societal perspectives, 3HP would cost respectively US$21,525 and $4294 more per TB case prevented, and respectively $4565 and $911 more per QALY gained.

CONCLUSIONS

3HP may be a cost-effective alternative to 9H, particularly if the cost of rifapentine decreases, the effectiveness of 3HP can be maintained without DOT, and 3HP treatment is limited to those with a high risk of progression to TB disease.

Changes in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase 55 kDa gamma expression and subcellular localization may be caspase 6 dependent in paraquat-induced SH-SY5Y apoptosis

The neurotoxin paraquat (PQ) causes apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in mammalian cell culture and animal models, mimicking an important pathological feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is critical for several major survival signals in central nervous system neurons. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase 55 kDa gamma (p55PIK) is a regulatory subunit of PI3Ks with important roles in cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, and cell cycle progression. However, p55PIK involvement in mechanisms regarding progression and maintenance of neurodegenerative diseases is largely undetermined. We used PQ-induced apoptosis in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells to investigate the association between p55PIK expression levels, subcellular location, and apoptosis. p55PIK expression was reduced in SH-SY5Y cells and p55PIK messenger RNA and protein expression levels were decreased after PQ treatment. Apoptosis induced by PQ was associated with caspase activation and decreased p55PIK expression. Restoration of p55PIK expression was observed after coincubation with a caspase inhibitor. Overexpressed full-length p55PIK in SH-SY5Y and human embryonic kidney 293 cells showed specific distribution in the nucleus and was cleaved in vitro by recombinant caspase 6 (C6), but not C3 and C7. A p55PIK construct lacking 24 N-terminal amino acids (N24) was tested for the presence of a potential C6-recognizable sequence and was found to express its proteins outside the nucleus. The results suggest that p55PIK may be involved in PQ-induced apoptosis signal transduction and that N24 is crucial for p55PIK subcellular localization. Thus, p55PIK could be a substrate of activated C6 during apoptosis, leading to loss of original biological functions and redistribution to disturb cell cycle progression.

A conserved extraordinarily long serine homopolymer in Dictyostelid amoebae

Eukaryotic protein sequences often contain amino-acid homopolymers that consist of a single amino acid repeated from several to dozens of times. Some of these are functional but others may persist largely because of high expansion rates due to DNA slippage. However, very long homopolymers with over a hundred repeats are very rare. We report an extraordinarily long homopolymer consisting of 306 tandem serine repeats from the single-celled eukaryote Dictyostelium discoideum, which also has a multicellular stage. The gene has a paralog with 132 repeats and orthologs, also with high serine repeat numbers, in various other Dictyostelid species. The conserved gene structure and protein sequences suggest that the homopolymer is functional. The high codon diversity and very poor alignment of serine codons in this gene between species similarly indicate functionality. This is because the serine homopolymer is conserved despite much DNA sequence change. A survey of other very long amino-acid homopolymers in eukaryotes shows that high codon diversity is the rule, suggesting that these too may be functional.

CREG promotes the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells through the ERK/cyclin E signaling pathway

Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes (CREG) is a recently discovered secreted glycoprotein involved in homeostatic modulation. We previously reported that CREG is abundantly expressed in the adult vascular endothelium and dramatically downregulated in atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, CREG participates in the regulation of apoptosis, inflammation and wound healing of vascular endothelial cells. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the effect of CREG on the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms. Overexpression of CREG in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was obtained by infection with adenovirus carrying CREG. HUVEC proliferation was investigated by flow cytometry and 5-bromo-2′-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) incorporation assays. The expressions of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases and signaling molecules were also examined. In CREG-overexpressing cells, we observed a marked increase in the proportion of the S and G2 population and a decrease in the G0/G1 phase population. The number of BrdU positively-stained cells also increased, obviously. Furthermore, silencing of CREG expression by specific short hairpin RNA effectively inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). CREG overexpression induced the expression of cyclin E in both protein and mRNA levels to regulate cell cycle progression. Further investigation using inhibitor blocking analysis identified that ERK activation mediated the CREG modulation of the proliferation and cyclin E expression in HUVEC. In addition, blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in CREG-overexpressed HUVEC and supplementation of VEGF in CREG knocked-down HUVEC identified that the pro-proliferative effect of CREG was partially mediated by VEGF-induced ERK/cyclin E activation. These results suggest a novel role of CREG to promote HUVEC proliferation through the ERK/cyclin E signaling pathway.

Fine mapping of qhir1 influencing in vivo haploid induction in maize

Production of haploids by the in vivo haploid induction method has now become routine for generating new inbred lines in maize. In previous studies, a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) (qhir1) located in bin 1.04 was detected, explaining up to 66 % of the genotypic variance for haploid induction rate (HIR). Our objectives were to (1) fine-map qhir1 and (2) identify closely linked markers useful for marker-assisted breeding of new inducers. For this purpose, we screened a mapping population of 14,375 F2 plants produced from a cross between haploid inducer UH400 and non-inducer line 1680 to identify recombinants. Based on sequence information from the B73 reference genome, markers polymorphic between the two parents were developed to conduct fine mapping with these recombinants. A progeny test mapping strategy was applied to accurately determine the HIR of the 14 recombinants identified. Furthermore, F3 progeny of recombinant F2 plants were genotyped and in parallel evaluated for HIR. We corroborated earlier studies in that qhir1 has both a significantly positive effect on HIR but also a strong selective disadvantage, as indicated by significant segregation distortion. Altogether, we were able to narrow down the qhir1 locus to a 243 kb region flanked by markers X291 and X263.

CASP-9 gene functional polymorphisms and cancer risk: a large-scale association study plus meta-analysis

We investigated the association between CASP-9 polymorphisms and susceptibility to neoplasm. Fourteen studies with a total of 2733 neoplasm cases and 3352 healthy controls were included. Meta-analysis showed that the rs4645981 T allele and the rs4645981 T allele carrier were positively associated with neoplasm susceptibility [odds ratio (OR) = 1.43, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.12-1.81, P = 0.004; OR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.10-1.93, P = 0.009, respectively]. However, the rs1052576 A allele, rs1052576 A carrier, rs2308941 T allele, and rs2308941 T carrier might decrease the risk of cancer (OR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.58-0.89, P = 0.003; OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.63-0.92, P = 0.004; OR = 0.20, 95%CI = 0.09-0.45, P < 0.0001; OR = 0.21, 95%CI = 0.06-0.75, P = 0.02, respectively). There was no significant association between rs1263, rs1052571, rs2308950, rs4645978, rs4645980, rs4645982, and rs4646018 and cancer risk (all P > 0.05). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that CASP-9 gene polymorphisms are involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. The rs4645981 T allele and the rs4645981 T allele carrier might increase the risk of cancer, but the rs1052576 A allele, rs1052576 A carrier, rs2308941 T allele, and rs2308941 T carrier might be protective.

First Report of Impatiens necrotic spot virus on Hiemalis Begonia (Begonia × hiemalis) in Canada

Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) is a member of the genus Tospovirus, and one of the prevalent viruses infecting ornamental plants, including begonia. Since the late 1980s, it has caused dramatic and unusual diseases on many flower crops, leading to considerable economic losses to the greenhouse floriculture industry (1). The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is the only species currently known to vector INSV (1). In spring 2012, stunted plant growth and necrotic spots were observed on leaves of all Hiemalis begonias (Begonia × hiemalis Fotsch.) in a greenhouse in southwest Ontario, Canada. Initial symptoms were mosaic patterns, followed by necrotic spots on leaves, concentric rings, then necrotic areas on flowers, stem and vein necrosis, and finally stunting and burning of foliage similar to damage caused by sunburn or chemical injury. Thrips were observed colonizing nearby begonia plants. Leaf tissue from five symptomatic plants tested positive for INSV in a double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA with INSV-specific ImmunoStrips (Agdia Inc., Elkhart, IN). To confirm this, five of the leaf samples that were found to be positive for INSV in ELISA tests were mechanically inoculated to 10 plants of Hiemalis Begonia. Out of the 10 inoculated plants, eight produced necrotic local lesions and necrotic spots that are typical of INSV infection, followed by systemic infection of upper leaves 30 days after inoculation. The presence of INSV in the eight symptomatic plants was confirmed using the commercial INSV Pocket Diagnostic Kit (Forsite Diagnostics Ltd., York, UK) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results showed that all eight symptomatic plants were positive for INSV. The other two plants were asymptomatic and tested negative for INSV. To further confirm the identity of this virus, total RNAs were isolated from symptomatic leave of begonia plants using TRIzol reagent (Invitrogen, Life Technologies Grand Island, NY) and amplified using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis. A pair of primers was designed based on the consensus sequence of the N gene for a number of isolates retrieved from GenBank. These primers were INSV-F2286 (5'CCAAGCTCAACATGTTTAGC 3', nt positions 2286 to 2305 of AB109100) and INSV-R2604 (5'ACTGCATCTTGCCTATCCTT 3', nt positions 2664 to 2683 of AB109100). The expected amplification product of 398 bp was obtained, and was cloned into the vector pGEM-T Easy (Promega Corp., Madison, WI). Two clones were sequenced using the vector primer M13Forward. The sequences of these two clones were identical and the sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. JX846907). BLAST analysis indicated that the sequence was 98 to 99% identical to INSV isolates from Japan (AB109100), the United States (D00914), and the Netherlands (X66972). To our knowledge, this is the first report of INSV infection in Begonia × hiemalis in Canada. This finding provides further evidence for the spread of the virus within North America. Further studies are required to determine the impact of INSV on the begonia industry in Canada and to determine viable management strategies, if necessary. Reference: (1) M. L. Daughtrey et al. Plant Dis. 81:1220, 1997.

Acute dietary zinc deficiency before conception compromises oocyte epigenetic programming and disrupts embryonic development

Recent findings show that zinc is an important factor necessary for regulating the meiotic cell cycle and ovulation. However, the role of zinc in promoting oocyte quality and developmental potential is not known. Using an in vivo model of acute dietary zinc deficiency, we show that feeding a zinc deficient diet (ZDD) for 3-5 days before ovulation (preconception) dramatically disrupts oocyte chromatin methylation and preimplantation development. There was a dramatic decrease in histone H3K4 trimethylation and global DNA methylation in zinc deficient oocytes. Moreover, there was a 3-20 fold increase in transcript abundance of repetitive elements (Iap, Line1, Sineb1, Sineb2), but a decrease in Gdf9, Zp3 and Figla mRNA. Only 53% and 8% of mature eggs reached the 2-cell stage after IVF in animals receiving a 3 and 5 days ZDD, respectively, while a 5 day ZDD in vivo reduced the proportion of 2-cells to 49%. In vivo fertilized 2-cell embryos cultured in vitro formed fewer (38%) blastocysts compared to control embryos (74%). Likewise, fewer blastocyst and expanded blastocyst were collected from the reproductive tract of zinc deficient animals on day 3.5 of pregnancy. This could be due to a decrease in Igf2 and H19 mRNA in ZDD blastocyst. Supplementation with a methyl donor (SAM) during IVM restored histone H3K4me3 and doubled the IVF success rate from 17% to 43% in oocytes from zinc deficient animals. Thus, the terminal period of oocyte development is extremely sensitive to perturbation in dietary zinc availability.

Meta-analysis demonstrates association of XRCC1 genetic polymorphism Arg399Gln with esophageal cancer risk in the Chinese population

We made a meta-analysis of the association between X-ray cross-complementing gene 1 (XRCC1) genetic polymorphism Arg399Gln and esophageal cancer (EC) risk. Statistical analysis was performed with the Review Manager version 4.2.8 software program and STATA version 11.0. We selected 16 case-control studies for this meta-analysis, including 3591 EC cases and 5752 controls. Overall, the Gln399 allele was not associated with EC risk, compared with the Arg399 allele in the populations included in the analysis. However, stratified analysis revealed that the Gln399 allele was associated with increased EC risk among the Chinese population in a recessive model [odds ratio (OR) = 1.42; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.07-1.90; P = 0.02 for heterogeneity] and by homozygote contrast (OR = 1.43; 95%CI = 1.05-1.96; P = 0.02 for heterogeneity), particularly for the tumor histology of squamous cell carcinoma (OR = 1.46; 95%CI = 1.10-1.95 for the recessive model and OR = 1.42; 95%CI = 1.03-1.95 for the homozygote contrast). We conclude that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism has potential as a biomarker for EC susceptibility in the Chinese population, particularly for squamous cell carcinoma.

A literature-based systematic HuGE review and meta-analysis show that CASP gene family polymorphisms are associated with risk of lung cancer

The caspase (CASP) gene family is known to be involved in apoptosis, cytokine maturation, cell growth, and differentiation. A large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CASP gene family have been increasingly recognized as important regulators in the development of lung cancer. However, this specific association is still controversial. In this Human Genome Epidemiology review and meta-analysis, we summarized the available evidence associating lung cancer with the CASP gene family. Seven studies, which included 1155 lung cancer cases and 1120 healthy controls, met the inclusion criteria and were included in our meta-analysis. In seven studies, 19 different SNPs have been studied in seven CASP genes, including CASP-1, -2, -5, -7, -8, -9, and -10. Meta-analysis results showed positive associations between heterozygote (A/G) of rs507879 in the CASP-5 gene, the T allele of rs12415607 in the CASP-7 gene, and the T allele and T carrier (C/T+T/T) of rs4645981 in the CASP-9 gene with lung cancer susceptibility [odds ratio (OR) = 1.83, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.07-3.12, P = 0.03; OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.02-1.37, P = 0.03; OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.12-1.81, P = 0.004; OR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.10-1.93, P = 0.009; respectively]. However, we found that homozygote (G/G) of rs2227310 in the CASP-7 gene, del allele, heterozygote (ins/del), and del carrier (ins/del + del/del) of rs3834129 in CASP-8 could be protective factors for lung cancer (OR = 0.17, 95%CI = 0.14-0.21, P = 0.0003; OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.72-0.97, P = 0.02; OR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.64-0.85, P < 0.0001; OR = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.71-0.93, P = 0.002; respectively). In conclusion, based on this meta-analysis, we suggest that SNPs in CASP-5, -7, -8, and -9 are associated with susceptibility to lung cancer.

Protective effect of the nitric oxide pathway in L-citrulline renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats

To observe the protective effects of L-citrulline on the renal I/R injury and elucidate the mechanisms involved, 48 rats were randomized into eight groups: Group 1: sham operated; Group 2: I/R (45 min renal ischaemia and 24 h reperfusion); Group 3: I/R + L-citrulline (300 mg/kg, i.g.); Group 4: I/R + L-citrulline (600 mg/kg, i.g.); Group 5: I/R + L-citrulline (900 mg/kg, i.g.); Group 6: I/R + normal saline (NS, i.g.); Group 7: I/R + N sup ω nitro-L-arginine ester (L-NAME, 20 mg/kg, i.p.); Group 8: I/R + L-citrulline (900 mg/kg, i.g.) + L-NAME (20 mg/ kg, i.p.). At the end of the reperfusion period, serum was collected and the kidneys underwent histological and biochemical examinations. Our results showed that pre-treatment with L-citrulline (300, 600, and 900 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the renal injury caused by I/R. Moreover, L-citrulline prevented induction of lipid peroxidation and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and the levels of glutathione and nitric oxide. The I/R-induced decreases in total nitric oxide synthase activity, inducible nitric oxide activity, constitutive nitric oxide activity and endothelial nitric oxide protein expression in the renal cortex were significantly prevented. However, the L-citrulline-mediated protection was significantly antagonized by co-administration of L-NAME. These results suggested that L-citrulline administration exhibited significant protection against renal I/R injury. This protective effect, at least in part, via up-regulation of the endothelial nitric oxide protein expression and constitutive nitric oxide synthase activity, maintained production of nitric oxide at the basal level.

Dynamic-average Characteristics of Late Wave of Auditory Evoked Potentials for Synaptic Malfunction Rat Model

The aim of this study is to investigate dynamic characteristics of late wave of auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) in synaptic malfunction rat model. Two dynamic characteristics relative to cognitive function were investigated which are dynamic latency and dynamic amplitude of P1. Synaptic malfunction model was made by Sprague-Dawley rats via microinjecting beta-amyloid protein (A-beta) into hippocampal CA1 area of rat. Dynamic AEPs with high background noise were recorded for both model and normal rats in experiments. Dynamic late wave were taken from dynamic AEPs using third-order correlation and wavelet technology. The dynamic-average latency and the dynamic-average amplitude of P1 in a small time window (5s) were performed as dynamic index in this study, which remain most of dynamic information because the average window was very small. Then dynamic-average latency and the dynamic-average latency of P1 were compared between synaptic malfunction rat and normal group. The results of this study have demonstrated that: (1) the dynamic-average latency of P1 for model rats prolonged remarkably than control (P<0.01, alpha =0.05); (2) the dynamic-average amplitude of P1 for model rats increased remarkably than control(P<0.01,alpha =0.05). The conclusion is that dynamic-average latency and dynamic-average amplitude in the synaptic malfunction rats model has obvious difference with normal group.

Cellular repressor E1A-stimulated genes controls phenotypic switching of adventitial fibroblasts by blocking p38MAPK activation

AIMS

Phenotypic modulation of adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of proliferative vascular diseases. The current study aimed to identify the role of cellular repressor E1A-stimulated genes (CREG), a critical mediator in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis, in AF phenotypic modulation and adventitial remodeling.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Using in situ double-immunofluorescence staining, we ascertained that CREG expression was significantly down-regulated in the adventitia after vascular injury, and its expression pattern was conversely correlated with the expression of smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA), a marker for differentiation of AFs into myofibroblasts. In vitro data confirmed the association of CREG in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AF differentiation. Additionally, overexpression of CREG attenuated Ang II-induced α-SMA expression in AFs. CREGoverexpressing AFs showed decreased levels of proliferation on days 2-5 following stimulation by Ang II compared with controls, with changes in the cell cycle profile as shown by BrdU incorporation assay and fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis. Moreover, wound healing assay and transwell migration model demonstrated that upregulation of CREG expression inhibited Ang II-induced AF migration. We found that CREG-mediated its counterbalancing effects in Ang II-induced phenotypic modulation, proliferation and migration by inhibition of the p38MAPK signaling pathway, validated by pharmacological blockade of p38MAPK with SB 203580 and by overexpression of p38MAPK with transfectants expressing constitutively active p38αMAPK.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that CREG is a novel AF phenotypic modulator in a p38MAPK-dependent manner. Modulating CREG on the local vascular wall may become a new therapeutic target against proliferative vascular diseases.

Bnip3 and AIF cooperate to induce apoptosis and cavitation during epithelial morphogenesis

Apoptosis during epithelial lumen formation is mediated by hypoxia-induced expression of the proapoptotic protein Bnip3, which is promoted by AIF-mediated reactive oxygen species production and HIF-2α stabilization.

Apoptosis is an essential step in cavitation during embryonic epithelial morphogenesis, but its mechanisms are largely unknown. In this paper, we used embryonic stem cell–differentiated embryoid bodies (EBs) as a model and found that Bnip3 (Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19-kD interacting protein), a BH3-only proapoptotic protein, was highly up-regulated during cavitation in a hypoxia-dependent manner. Short hairpin RNA silencing of Bnip3 inhibited apoptosis of the core cells and delayed cavitation. We show that the Bnip3 up-regulation was mediated mainly by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)–2. Ablation of HIF-2α or HIF-1β, the common β subunit of HIF-1 and -2, suppressed Bnip3 up-regulation and inhibited apoptosis and cavitation. We further show that apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) cooperated with Bnip3 to promote lumen clearance. Bnip3 silencing in AIF-null EBs nearly blocked apoptosis and cavitation. Moreover, AIF also regulated Bnip3 expression through mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species and consequent HIF-2α stabilization. These results uncover a mechanism of cavitation through hypoxia-induced apoptosis of the core cells mediated by HIFs, Bnip3, and AIF.

Zinc depletion causes multiple defects in ovarian function during the periovulatory period in mice

Shortly before ovulation, the oocyte acquires developmental competence and granulosa cells undergo tremendous changes including cumulus expansion and luteinization. Zinc is emerging as a key regulator of meiosis in vitro, but a complete understanding of zinc-mediated effects during the periovulatory period is lacking. The present study uncovers the previously unknown role of zinc in maintaining meiotic arrest before ovulation. A zinc chelator [N,N,N',N'-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN)] caused premature germinal vesicle breakdown and associated spindle defects in denuded oocytes even in the presence of a phosphodiesterase 3A inhibitor (milrinone). TPEN also potently blocked cumulus expansion by blocking induction of expansion-related transcripts Has2, Ptx3, Ptgs2, and Tnfaip6 mRNA. Both meiotic arrest and cumulus expansion were rescued by exogenous zinc. Lack of cumulus expansion is due to an almost complete suppression of phospho-Sma- and Mad-related protein 2/3 signaling. Consistent with a decrease in phospho-Sma- and Mad-related protein 2/3 signaling, TPEN also decreased cumulus transcripts (Ar and Slc38a3) and caused a surprising increase in mural transcripts (Lhcgr and Cyp11a1) in cumulus cells. In vivo, feeding a zinc-deficient diet for 10 d completely blocked ovulation and compromised cumulus expansion. However, 42.5% of oocytes had prematurely resumed meiosis before human chorionic gonadotropin injection, underscoring the importance of zinc before ovulation. A more acute 3-d treatment with a zinc-deficient diet did not block ovulation but did increase the number of oocytes trapped in luteinizing follicles. Moreover, 23% of ovulated oocytes did not reach metaphase II due to severe spindle defects. Thus, acute zinc deficiency causes profound defects during the periovulatory period with consequences for oocyte maturation, cumulus expansion, and ovulation.

Regulation of radiosensitivity by HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A in the human cervical carcinoma cell line Hela

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors play an important role in inducing growth arrest, differentiation, and/or apoptosis in cancer cells. Given their ability to disrupt critical biological processes in cancer cells, these agents are emerging as potential therapeutics for cancer. Recently, it has been identified that HDAC inhibitors can also efficiently enhance the radiation sensitivity of cells, both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether the potent HDAC inhibitor, Trichostatin A, modulates the radiation sensitivity of the human cervical carcinoma cell line Hela under hypoxic conditions. We concluded that TSA could significantly inhibit the proliferation of Hela cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia resulted in the cervical carcinoma Hela cells resistant to TSA. The findings from clonogenic survival assays indicate that incubation with TSA for 24 hours prior to irradiation enhances the radiation sensitivity of Hela cells under hypoxic conditions. More generally, we found Hela cells under hypoxic conditions treated with TSA could significantly down-regulate the expressions of HIF-1alpha and VEGF proteins. Taken together, our results demonstrated that TSA acts as a powerful radiosensitizer in Hela cells under hypoxic conditions probably by down-regulated expression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF proteins.

Elective neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to review the diagnostic performance of cervical lymph node metastases for assessment of elective neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients and to determine the technique (using Methylene blue dye) that demonstrated the highest success rate with regard to the detection rate and sensitivity.

METHODS

Preoperative 24 h, 1 mL of 1.0% methylene blue was injected into the parenchyma surrounding the primary tumor with ultrasound guidance by a 27-gauge needle. Intra-operative lymph nodes that were stained blue and/or having afferent lymphatic channels stained blue were also considered to be excised. All stained blue nodes were defined by levels, number, site and were sent for frozen and permanent section histologic analysis.

RESULTS

For the 132 patients who underwent methylene blue dye, 1373 lymph nodes were removed. 7 lymph nodes had negative dye results but, in the end, had metastatic lymph nodes. 120 lymph nodes had both negative dye and lymph node results. The number of blue-dye lymph nodes was 1246 and the number of pathology metastatic nodes was 1079, so the pathological diagnose accordance rate was 87.8 percent. The nodal metastases often occur at level VI, IV, III, then in level II, and less in level I and V.

CONCLUSIONS

This method using methylene blue dye is feasible technically and is safe, and the findings correlate with cervical lymph node status. According to the pattern of blue dye lymph nodes and frozen-section histologic analysis, performing elective neck dissection is a reliable, safe surgical procedure for PTC.

Talin1 regulates integrin turnover to promote embryonic epithelial morphogenesis

Talin is a cytoskeletal protein that binds to integrin β cytoplasmic tails and regulates integrin activation. Talin1 ablation in mice disrupts gastrulation and causes embryonic lethality. However, the role of talin in mammalian epithelial morphogenesis is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that embryoid bodies (EBs) differentiated from talin1-null embryonic stem cells are defective in integrin adhesion complex assembly, epiblast elongation, and lineage differentiation. These defects are accompanied by a significant reduction in integrin β1 protein levels due to accelerated degradation through an MG-132-sensitive proteasomal pathway. Overexpression of integrin β1 or MG-132 treatment in mutant EBs largely rescues the phenotype. In addition, epiblast cells isolated from talin1-null EBs exhibit impaired cell spreading and focal adhesion formation. Transfection of the mutant cells with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged wild-type but not mutant talin1 that is defective in integrin binding normalizes integrin β1 protein levels and restores focal adhesion formation. Significantly, cell adhesion and spreading are also improved by overexpression of integrin β1. All together, these results suggest that talin1 binding to integrin promotes epiblast adhesion and morphogenesis in part by preventing integrin β1 degradation.

Inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor leads to selective expression of a human endogenous retrovirus in kidney cancer

A human endogenous retrovirus type E was recently found to be selectively expressed in most renal cell carcinomas (RCC). Importantly, antigens derived from this provirus are immunogenic, stimulating cytotoxic T-cells that kill RCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Here we show HERV-E expression is restricted to the clear cell subtype of RCC (ccRCC) characterized by an inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene with subsequent stabilization of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors HIF-1α and -2α. HERV-E expression in ccRCC linearly correlated with HIF-2α levels and could be silenced in tumor cells by either transfection of normal VHL or siRNA inhibition of HIF-2α. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrated that HIF-2α can serve as transcriptional factor for HERV-E by binding with HIF response elements (HRE) localized in the proviral 5′LTR. Remarkably, the LTR was found to be hypomethylated only in HERV-E-expressing ccRCC while other tumors and normal tissues possessed a hypermethylated LTR preventing proviral expression. Taken altogether, these findings provide the first evidence that inactivation of a tumor suppressor gene can result in aberrant proviral expression in a human tumor and give insights needed for translational research aimed at boosting human immunity against antigenic components of this HERV-E.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective study in China

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). The medical records of 29 patients with DAH among 2133 SLE patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to January 2009 were reviewed in this retrospective study. It was found that hypoxemia (100%), dyspnea (90%), cough (79%) and fever (72%), rather than hemoptysis (66%), were the most common symptoms. The most common extrapulmonary presentation was renal involvement (90%). In about 60% of patients nosocomial infection was also present. The mean drop in hemoglobin was 32 ± 10.9 g/l. Mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was 17 ± 9. All patients received high-dose corticosteroid therapy and most were also given immunosuppressive agents. Rates of concomitant nosocomial infection and mechanical ventilation in non-survivors were higher than those of survivors (p < 0.05). DAH is a rare and catastrophic event in SLE. DAH can occur at any stage of the disease course; it usually occurs in patients with active SLE, and is frequently complicated by lupus nephritis. Some patients may have no hemoptysis. Early aggressive management with high-dose steroids and cyclophosphamide is advocated.

Localization of phosphorylated SMAD proteins in granulosa cells, oocytes and oviduct of female mice

SMAD signaling is essential for follicular development. The distribution of activated (phosphorylated) SMADs during folliculogenesis has not been described in detail. The present results indicate that oocytes from preantral and antral follicles contain the mRNA for the receptor regulated Smads (-1, -2, -3, -5 and -9), Smad4 (co-SMAD), and Smad6 and Smad7 (inhibitory SMADs). Levels of Smad5, Smad6 and Smad7 mRNA decreased in fully-grown oocytes compared to growing oocytes. Immunostaining for pSMAD1/5/9, pSMAD2 and pSMAD3 was evident in oocytes from primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicles. We also observed substantial staining for pSMADs in intact fully-grown oocytes from antral follicles. In granulosa cells, immunostaining for both pSMAD2/3 and pSMAD1/5/9 was apparent in preantral granulosa cells from primordial to secondary follicles. In antral follicles, immunostaining for pSMADs became more intense in the cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte. Immunostaining for pSMAD2 and pSMAD1/5/9 was also apparent in the epithelium lining of the oviduct. Clearly, oocytes, preantral granulosa cells, cumulus cells and the epithelium of the oviduct are major targets of SMAD-mediated pathways in female reproductive tissues. The finding that pSMAD pathways are active in oocytes raises new questions regarding the role of TGF-beta superfamily members in directly promoting oocyte development. The extent to which defects in pSMAD signaling in oocytes or the oviduct contribute to infertility in humans or animals remains an open question.

A herbicide-resistant ACCase 1781 Setaria mutant shows higher fitness than wild type

It is often alleged that mutations conferring herbicide resistance have a negative impact on plant fitness. A mutant ACCase1781 allele endowing resistance to the sethoxydim herbicide was introgressed from a resistant green foxtail (Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv) population into foxtail millet (S. italica (L.) Beauv.). (1) Better and earlier growth of resistant plants was observed in a greenhouse cabinet. (2) Resistant plants of the advanced BC7 backcross generation showed more vigorous juvenile growth in the field, earlier flowering, more tillers and higher numbers of grains than susceptible plants did, especially when both genotypes were grown in mixture, but their seeds were lighter than susceptible seeds. (3) Field populations originating from segregating hybrids had the expected allele frequencies under normal growth conditions, but showed a genotype shift toward an excess of homozygous resistant plants within 3 years in stressful conditions. Lower seed size, lower germination rate and perhaps unexplored differences in seed longevity and predation could explain how the resistant plants have the same field fitness over the whole life cycle as the susceptible ones although they produce more seeds. More rapid growth kinetics probably accounted for higher fitness of the resistant plants in adverse conditions. The likelihood of a linkage with a beneficial gene is discussed versus the hypothesis of a pleiotropic effect of the ACCase resistance allele. It is suggested that autogamous species like Setaria could not develop a resistant population without the help of a linkage with a gene producing a higher fitness.

Endogenous transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 promotes differentiation of smooth muscle cells from embryonic stem cells: stable plasmid-based siRNA silencing of TGF beta1 gene expression

Transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 has been shown to promote differentiation of smooth muscle cells (SMC) from some precursor cells. Whether endogenous TGF beta1 also contributes to SMC differentiation during embryogenesis, however, remains unclear. In this study, a plasmid-based TGF beta1 RNA interference embryonic stem (ES) cell line was constructed. Morphological observation showed that TGF beta1 knockdown significantly prevented differentiated cells from outgrowing from ES cells-derived embryoid bodies (EBs). Immunofluorescence staining indicated that SM alpha-actin-positive cells were confluent and dense in the control group but dispersed in the TGF beta1 knockdown group. RT-PCR and western blot suggested that TGF beta1 knockdown resulted in a decrease in the expression of early SMC markers SM alpha-actin and myocardin in EBs. Both the retarded extension of cell outgrowth and the decrease in SM alpha-actin and myocardin expression could not be rescued by addition of exogenous TGF beta1. These data suggest that endogenous TGF beta1 promotes differentiation of SMC from ES cells.

Growth inhibition of Microcystis aeruginosa by white-rot fungus Lopharia spadicea

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms cause water deterioration and threaten human health. It is necessary to remove harmful cyanobacteria with useful methods. A bio-treatment may be one of the best ways to do this. A strain of specific white-rot fungus, Lopharia spadicea, with algicidal ability was isolated. Its algicidal ability on algae under various conditions was determined using three main influence factors: initial chlorophyll-a content, initial pH, and algal cell mixture. The result showed that the chlorophyll-a content of Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB-912, Oocystis borgei FACHB-1108, and Microcystis flos-aquae FACHB-1028 decreased from 798+/-13, 756+/-40, and 773+/-24 microg/L to 0 within 39 h. L. spadicea could also remove more than 95% chlorophyll-a when initial chlorophyll-a content increased from 397+/-13 to 2,132+/-4 microg/L. Moreover, the strain has great removal ability under a broad initial pH range of 5.5 to 9.5. The chlorophyll-a content of the three algal strain mixtures decreased from about 672+/-23 microg/L to 0 within 45 h. After superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MAD) were assessed in a co-culture of L. spadicea, it was observed that an increase in MAD content was correlated with the decrease in chlorophyll-a content of M. aeruginosa FACHB-912. This result suggested that the algae was not only greatly inhibited but also severely damaged by the fungus.

Regeneration of foreign genes co-transformed plants of Medicago sativa L by Agrobacterium rhizogenes

Gene encoding sulphur amino acid-rich protein (HNP) and rol genes were transferred into Medicago sativa L (alfalfa) mediated by Agrobacterium tumafeciens. Regeneration of transgenic plants was induced successfully from hairy root tissue of cotyledon in alfalfa. Cotyledon tissues were an ideally transformed recipient. There was a negative correlation between age of hairy roots and embryogenesis frequency in alfalfa. Production of co-transformed plants with greater yield and super quality was important for development of new alfalfa varieties.

Sjögren's syndrome-onset lupus patients have distinctive clinical manifestations and benign prognosis: A case—control study

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of Sjögren’s syndrome-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SS/SLE) patients. Medical charts of 41 consecutive SS/SLE inpatients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from February 1998 to February 2008 were systematically reviewed, including demographic data, clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment as well as outcomes. Two hundred and fourteen cases were randomly selected as controls from 2331 SLE-only inpatients treated in PUMCH at the same time period. There were significant differences between SS/SLE and SLE-only patients in the following manifestations (p < 0.05): (1) sex ratio (F/M) (41/0 versus 184/30), age (42.8 ± 41.0 years versus 31.8 ± 31.0 years), disease duration (113.8 ± 84.0 months versus 44.9 ± 18.0 months); (2) clinical features, xerostomia (85.4% versus 6.1%), xerophthalmia (75.6% versus 2.3%), renal tubular acidosis (21.9% versus 0%), interstitial lung disease (12.2% versus 2.8%), facial rash (9.8% versus 46.3%), nephrotic syndrome (7.3% versus 31.3%), central nervous system involvement (4.9% versus 19.6%); (3) laboratory findings, ESR (64.6±75.0mm/h versus 46.5±34.0mm/h), C4 (14.8 ± 12.2 g/dl versus 12.0 ± 10.9 g/dl), IgG elevation (56.4% versus 29.9%) and IgA elevation (38.5% versus 20.4%), RF, anti-SSA and anti-SSB positive rates (70.8% versus 20.3%, 82.9% versus 43.4% and 39.0% versus 7.9%); (4) SLEDAI score (8.0 ± 8.0 versus 10.2 ± 10.0), glucocorticoid treatment (methylprednisolone bolus/1—2 mg kg-1 day-1 prednisone/<1 mg kg-1 day-1 prednisone) (8/26/7 versus 91/102/21), and importantly, rate of death and/or severe irreversible organ failure (2.4% versus 14.9%). SS/SLE patients were followed up for 33.0 ± 34.0 months, 40 cases remained stable at a low dose of corticosteroid. In conclusion, different from SLE-only patients, SS/SLE patients have distinctive clinical manifestations and benign prognosis that require less vigorous treatment with glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressants. Lupus (2010) 19, 197—200.

Use of short echo time two-dimensional 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy in temporal lobe epilepsy with negative magnetic resonance imaging findings

We evaluated short echo time two-dimensional 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (2D-1HMRS) with the point-resolved spatial selection (PRESS) protocol in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients with negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and described the characteristics of 2D-(1)HMRS in the epileptic focus. Thirty-eight TLE patients with negative conventional MRI findings and 10 healthy controls were studied by 2D-1HMRS. A 128-channel prolonged video-electroencephalographic (EEG) method was used as the standard for epileptogenic focus localization to evaluate N-acetyl aspartate/(choline + creatine + phosphocreatine) (NAA/[Cho + Cr-PCr]), glutamate + glutamine/creatine (Glx/Cr-PCr) and myo-inositol/Cr-PCr ratios in patients with negative MRI findings. The 2D-1HMRS showed that 32/38 patients and all healthy controls had stable baselines and good signal-to-noise ratios. Compared with the healthy controls, 32 patients showed abnormal NAA/(Cho + Cr-PCr) ratios in the hippocampus and, in 25 of these patients, focus lateralization agreed with the EEG. It is concluded that short echo time 2D-1HMRS with the PRESS protocol can help find abnormalities in lateralization of temporal epilepsy in patients with negative MRI findings.

In vivo selection of human embryonic stem cell-derived cells expressing methotrexate-resistant dihydrofolate reductase

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provide a novel source of hematopoietic and other cell populations suitable for gene therapy applications. Preclinical studies to evaluate engraftment of hESC-derived hematopoietic cells transplanted into immunodeficient mice demonstrate only limited repopulation. Expression of a drug resistance gene, such as Tyr22-dihydrofolate reductase (Tyr22-DHFR), coupled to methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy has the potential to selectively increase engraftment of gene-modified hESC-derived cells in mouse xenografts. Here, we describe the generation of Tyr22-DHFR – GFP expressing hESCs that maintain pluripotency, produce teratomas and can differentiate into MTXr-hemato-endothelial cells. We demonstrate that MTX administered to nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient/IL-2Rγc^null (NSG) mice after injection of Tyr22-DHFR-derived cells significantly increases human CD34⁺ and CD45⁺ cell engraftment in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood of transplanted MTX-treated mice. These results demonstrate that MTX treatment supports selective, long-term engraftment of Tyr22-DHFR-cells in vivo, and provides a novel approach for combined human cell and gene therapy.

Prevalence, risk factors and outcome of digital gangrene in 2684 lupus patients

The aim of the study is to assess the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcome of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with digital gangrene. In all, 2684 consecutive SLE inpatients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 1997 to August 2007 were studied. Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory findings as well as therapeutic regimens were systematically reviewed and a database was established. Cases with digital gangrene were identified and followed up. 1) Eighteen patients with SLE were complicated with digital gangrene, the average age at event was 33.1 ± 11.8 years and the average disease duration was 99.1 ± 60.1 months. 2) Patients with SLE, with long disease duration (≥4 years), Raynaud’s phenomenon and elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were more likely to develop digital gangrene, P = 0.006, 0.001, and 0.031, respectively, OR = 1.03 (95% CI 1.01, 1.04), 35.76 (95% CI 4.67, 273.83) and 9.93 (95% CI 1.23, 80.30), respectively. 3) Fifteen gangrene patients started prednisone ≥1 mg/kg/d, and 18 were treated with cyclophosphamide, although 8 cases failed and ultimately received digital amputation. Prompt corticosteroid treatment (prednisone ≥1 mg/kg/d started within 3 weeks) decreased the hazard of amputation, P = 0.073, HR = 0.13 (95% CI 0.01, 1.21). Long disease duration, Raynaud’s phenomenon and elevated serum CRP were independent predictive factors for SLE to develop digital gangrene. Early and aggressive corticosteroid treatment prevented gangrene from progression and improved prognosis.

Protective factors relating to decreased risks of adolescent suicidal behaviour

BACKGROUND

Suicide has been identified as one of the three leading causes of death in adolescents and young adults. No previous study in China has tested the association between protective factors and urban adolescents' suicidal behaviours. In this study we tested the hypothesis that suicidal behaviours would be associated with multiple protective factors.

METHODS

A stratified random of 9015 students from 100 junior middle schools in Beijing, Hangzhou, Wuhan and Urumqi completed the Chinese version of Global School-Based Student Health Survey.

RESULTS

Overall, 17.4% of students had seriously considered attempting suicide, and 8.1% had made a specific plan to attempt suicide during the 12 months preceding the survey. The students in Wuhan (18.7%) and Urumqi (20.8%) cities were significantly more likely than students in Beijing (14.4%) and Hangzhou (14.4%) to have suicidal ideation (chi2 = 45.9, P < 0.001). Female students were significantly more likely than male students to have suicidal ideation and have made suicide attempts [odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, P < 0.001]. Results indicated that the rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts increased with age (OR = 1.44, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression models showed that suicide risk tended to decrease significantly when 'days of missed classes or school without permission were less than one', and when students thought students in their school were kind and helpful most of the time or always', 'parents or guardians checked to see if homework was done most of the time or always', 'parents or guardians understood their problems and worries most of the time or always' and 'parents or guardians really know what they are doing with their free time most of the time or always'.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent suicide behaviour should be a serious problem. Measures can be taken to prevent suicide by observing the factors significantly linked to suicidal behaviour. Steps can then be taken to identify adolescents who have serious suicidal ideation so that intervention can be taken to reduce the suicidal rate.